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Level I & II Classes

Ballet IDesigned for: new students ages 9 & up and qualified returning studentsClass length: 60 minutesClass description: At BDT, Ballet technique classes are the foundation for training and focus of young dancers. At this level, emphasis is placed on understanding correct body placement, proper use of turn out, coordination of the upper body (épaulement), and use of arms (port de bras). Dancers will learn basic exercises at the barre, movement in the centre and simple combinations of steps across the floor. It is at this level that the young dancer will also begin to learn the ballet vocabulary.

Pre-Pointe (Pre-requisite for Pointe)Designed for: qualified students onlyClass length: 45 minutesClass description: Ballet students in Level 2 will be evaluated for their readiness to begin Pointe work. Prior to beginning Pointe, students are required to study Pre-Pointe. In Pre-Pointe classes students will learn exercises and practice ballet steps and positions that specifically develop strength and stretch of the feet and leg muscles in preparation for dancing on Pointe.

Jazz IDesigned for: new students ages 9 & up and qualified returning students Class length: 60 minutesClass description: Created in the U.S. as a synthesis of African and European ethnic dance styles, jazz dance has become the predominant form of American musical theatre dance. Jazz allows students to express themselves using isolated movements of the body combined with jumps and turns set to contemporary music. As a student advances within our program, the necessity of ballet training increases in order to progress.

Tap IDesigned for: new students ages 9 & up and qualified returning students Class length: 60 minutesClass description: Tap is another American invention studied and performed throughout the world. While developing a strong sense of rhythm, students work toward the control of weight distribution in the foot along with a pleasing style in the arms, head and torso. Tap I introduces the basic vocabulary for Tap which provides the building blocks necessary for intermediate and advanced footwork. Students work to develop a clarity of sound and precise movements.

Modern IDesigned for: new students ages 9 & up and qualified returning students Class length: 60 minutesClass description: Modern dance is a style of western concert dance which began loosely in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Modern dance, which has birthplaces in the United States as well as Germany, was a direct response to ballet as the primary form of concert dance. Young dancers will learn basics of modern dance technique and styles as well as freedom to be expressive with movement in basic improvisation. In addition to movement, our dancers are introduced to a wide range of music and how to create rhythms of their own.Class requirements: Students must be enrolled in a Level I or II ballet class in conjunction with modern.

Hip-Hop IDesigned for: new students ages 9 & up and qualified returning studentsClass length: 60 minutesClass description: Hip-Hop I continues to develop the basic movements learned in Intro to Hip-Hop. Students explore the fundamentals of this developing discipline while building the movement vocabulary to proceed to intermediate work in the future. As always, age appropriate music and themes are selected.

Musical Theatre IDesigned for: new 9 & up and qualified returning students Class length: 60 minutesClass description: Students will learn the basics of musical theatre (singing, dancing and acting), learning a basic warm-up and participating in various theatre games and exercises. The focus will be on a simple group number. This class is great training for those students interested in participating in local or school theatre productions.

Acrobatics IDesigned for: qualified returning students Class length: 60 minutesClass description: Acrobatics I is for those who have mastered forward and backward rolls, cartwheels on at least one side, and are able to stay up in a back bend. Students build on the forward and backward rolls they already know, and work toward mastery of cartwheels on both sides, handstands, and round-offs. Back walkovers are also introduced at this level. Class requirements: Students must be skill tested for flexibility, coordination, and strength. A ballet class is recommended in conjunction with this program, to aid in the development of proper technique.

Ballet IIDesigned for: qualified returning students at BDT or by permission of the teacher Class length: 60 minutesClass description: While continuing to work on the foundations of the Ballet I class, this level will introduce more advanced steps and positions from the ballet syllabus.

Pointe (Beginner)Designed for: qualified returning students at BDT or by permission of the teacherClass length: 60 minutesClass description: Wearing pointe shoes is the dream of young Ballet dancers. It is extremely important that students who begin Pointe work have developed strength and stretch of the feet and legs as well as proper placement and alignment of the body. Students at the beginner Pointe level will learn how to tie their pointe shoe ribbons, how to rise up onto pointe and how to balance in their pointe shoes. As students progress to intermediate and advanced pointe work, students will practice many of the same positions and steps they learned in technique class but will execute them on pointe. Pointe students will work at the Ballet barre, in the center of the room as well as across the floor in their Pointe shoes.

Tap IIDesigned for: qualified returning studentsClass length: 60 minutesClass description: Tap is another American invention studied and performed throughout the world. While developing a strong sense of rhythm, students work toward the control of weight distribution in the foot along with a pleasing style in the arms, head and torso. Tap II increases a student's tap vocabulary while advancing footwork and speed. Students continue working on developing clarity of sound and precise movements.

Jazz IIDesigned for: qualified returning students Class length: 60 minutesClass description: Created in the U.S. as a synthesis of African and European ethnic dance styles, jazz dance has become the predominant form of American musical theatre dance. Jazz allows students to express themselves using isolated movements of the body combined with jumps and turns set to contemporary music. As a student advances within our program, the necessity of ballet training increases in order to progress.

Modern IIDesigned for: qualified returning students Class length: 60 minutesClass description: Modern dance is a style of western concert dance which began loosely in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Modern dance, which has birthplaces in the United States as well as Germany, was a direct response to ballet as the primary form of concert dance. Young dancers will learn basics of modern dance technique and styles as well as freedom to be expressive with movement in basic improvisation. In addition to movement, our dancers are introduced to a wide range of music and how to create rhythms of their own.Class requirements: Students must be enrolled in a Level I or II ballet class in conjunction with modern.

Hip-Hop IIDesigned for: qualified returning students Class length: 60 minutesClass description: Hip-Hop II continues to develop the basic movements learned in preceding levels. Students explore the fundamentals of this developing discipline while building the movement vocabulary to proceed to intermediate work in the future. A basic concept of “step” dancing and rhythmical body percussion is introduced. As always, age appropriate music and themes are selected.

Musical Theatre IIDesigned for: qualified returning students Class length: 60 minutesClass description: Activities will include singing, dancing and acting through various theatre games, exercises and choreography work. Improvisation will also be introduced. The focus will be on a group number but there may also be some opportunity for solo work as well. This class is great training for those students interested in participating in theatre productions.

Acrobatics IIDesigned for: qualified returning students Class length: 60 minutesClass description: Acrobatics II is for those who have mastered cartwheels on both sides, handstands, back walk-overs and round-offs. Students must be skill tested for flexibility, coordination and strength. Students will continue to work on all floor aspects of our gymnastics program, including front walk-overs, aerials and axils. A ballet class is recommended in conjunction with this program, to aid in the development of proper technique.